MSN 5550:Maternal Profiles and Social Determinants of Malnutrition
Instructions: Read the following case study and answer the reflective questions. Please provide rationales for your answers. Make sure to provide citations/references for your answers in APA format.
CASE STUDY: Preschool Child: Ricky
Ricky, age 4 years, arrives in the clinic with his mother. Ricky lives with his mother and father, who
both work full-time, and his infant sister. Their extended family lives in a different state more than
100 miles away. Both parents are of average height and in good health. Ricky’s mother mentions
that Ricky often expresses frustration, particularly in regard to food. Conflict over food occurs every
day. Mealtime is a battle to get him to eat, unless his mother feeds him. Ricky’s baby sister seems to
tolerate all baby foods but requires her mother to spoon-feed. Ricky’s mother is quite frustrated and
concerned that he will become malnourished.
Reflective Questions
1. What additional assessment information would you collect?
2.What questions would you ask, and how would you further explore this issue with the
mother?
3.In what ways does the distance of the extended family influence this family’s approach to
health promotion?
4.What factors would you consider to determine whether malnourishment is a factor in this
family?